One of Ontario’s biggest hospitality groups is making a major move on the culinary front. Pearle Hospitality announced that it’s entered a new partnership with Patrick Kriss, the Michelin-starred chef behind Toronto’s acclaimed Alo, along with the Alo Food Group, in a collab that’s set to reshape dining across several of Pearle’s best-known properties!
Pearle was founded by the Ciancone family in 1979, with a portfolio that includes Bardō Restaurants, Whistle Bear Golf Club, The Farm, Elora Mill and The Pearle Hotel & Spa, and the move signals an effort to further position its restaurants among Ontario’s standout dining destinations. According to the company, the collaboration with Kriss is rooted in a shared focus on hospitality, flavour and creating memorable dining experiences.
“Partnering with Chef Patrick Kriss is a defining moment for Pearle,” Aaron Ciancone, CEO of Pearle Hospitality, said. “His masterful approach to flavour and excellence in execution will invigorate our menus and allow us to deliver the kind of dining experience typically reserved for culinary capitals.”
Kriss, who is best known as the chef behind Alo, which was named Canada’s Best Restaurant a record four times and awarded a Michelin star, also framed the collaboration as a natural fit.
“Working with Pearle Hospitality has been a true meeting of minds,” Chef Kriss said in a statement. “Their passion for hospitality mirrors my own. The menus are about more than food; they’re about thinking through the details and crafting memorable, elevated experiences for every guest.”
The collaboration has already elevated culinary programs at The Pearle Hotel & Spa’s onsite restaurant, Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge, Cambridge Mill and Bardō. It will expand to Elora Mill, Spencer’s at the Waterfront and Ancaster Mill throughout 2026, with the highly anticipated Toronto Power Generation Station restoration project in Niagara Falls set to follow.
Blue Jays fans are many things: passionate and devoted, perhaps a tight-knit community, but rarely subtle. And now, early-season frustration has found a new outlet in the form of a change.org petition targeting Daulton Varsho’s walk-up music. The petition, titled ‘Change Varsho’s Walk-Up Song to Save the Season,’ was only launched Tuesday, but by Thursday, it had received more than 500+ verified signatures, with Toronto Blue Jays management and Varsho himself listed as the petition’s recommended decision-makers.
The pitch is simple, if a bit theatrical: petitioners want Varsho to ditch “Ordinary,” the Alex Warren song he walks up to, arguing that it doesn’t match the energy of the Jays’ 50th season celebrations or the kind of swagger fans want attached to the team.
“The Blue Jays season is off to a rough start. One song might be behind all the problems—Daulton Varsho’s walk-up song, Ordinary. It simply does not have the right vibe for #BlueJays50 and our return to the World Series,” the petition, started by Skye Domie, states. “Sign this petition to get Daulton Varsho to change his walk-up song.”
The panic might be a bit tongue-in-cheek, but also somewhat fitting? As of Thursday, Toronto sat at 5-7 in the AL East, though the club had just snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Dodgers on Wednesday night. If nothing else, this bit of sports superstition has fans talking.
“Walk up song so bad it brought the plague to the club house,” one fan wrote in the comments section. Others said they were hoping for a song with more energy: “After reading the lyrics to Varshos’ walk-up song, I can see why people want it changed. I’m with them! The lyrics are depressing, drab and gives the feeling of losers. We can’t have that Daulton! 😉 Please change it Thanks Jays fan since 1977 GO JAYS!!”
A Jays fan from Aurora said that the song “needs to be dealt with,” while a fan from Hamilton noted, “I can’t do this anymore man. Something’s gotta give.”
“Id love to know the reason for the song case It’s such a weird one for a walk up song,” one Reddit user noted, while others supported Varsho’s choice, “Look I hate that song and would love if he changed it but hey its just part of his own personal weird.”
Another Montreal export is coming to Toronto, and it may be one of the sweetest ones yet: Homies Donuts.
It’s called Homers Donuts in Quebecois French, but the English version gets a bit of a name change. What doesn’t change, though, is the recipes and sweet treats the brand is known for: think donuts made fresh daily, beignet sandwiches (which Homies calls beignwichs), macarons, milkshakes and more goodies to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Homies’ first Ontario location will be in Scarborough, located at 4545 Kingston Road, the brand announced earlier this month. But its not the first time Homies has left Montreal, as a New York City outpost opened at the end of 2025 in the NoLita neighbourhood in the south of Manhattan.
In Montreal, the brand sells over 5,000 fresh donuts daily, according to its website, and flavours include traditional, cinnamon and sugar, Oreo, KitKat, bacon, and a variety of both classic and unique options. There are also designed donuts in the form of Elmo and the Cookie Monster for those looking for a fun, unique treat.
It seems they’re best known for their donut boxes, where guests can mix and match either traditional or Homer’s Favourites in sets of six or twelve. Traditional flavours are priced at $13 for six or $23 for twelve, while Homer’s Favourites come in at $18 for six or $33 for twelve. Solo adventurers in need of a quick sweet fix can also opt for individual baked goods, with the option to wash it down with a caffeinated drink like a cappuccino or iced coffee.
While Homies hasn’t announced an official opening date yet, fans follow along with their Instagram page for the latest updates and more information.But if its Montreal counterpart is any indication, expect no shortage of bright colours — and, of course, plenty of sweetness.
It is a massive day for the Toronto dining scene. Today, April 9, 2026, the highly anticipated Riley’s Fish + Steak officially opens its doors in the Financial District, bringing Michelin-recommended Vancouver vibes to Wellington Street. But the steakhouse isn’t the only news in town; from viral mapo tofu pasta in Little Italy to a street-vendor-turned-hotspot, we have 8 new openings you need to hit while this 18°C warmup lasts.
Riley’s opens April 9 for dinner service in the downtown core, with reservations already live and lunch and brunch slated to follow later this month! This classic chophouse is perfect for both steak and seafood lovers, so bib up and start with the Crab Cake, the Scallops Gratin, or the decadent Short Rib Escargot, then move on to the Chilled Seafood Tower stacked with oysters, tiger prawns, salmon gravlax tartare, scallops tomatillo aguachile and ahi tuna. As for mains, the Lobster Pot Pie with brandied lobster cream will likely be a fave, while the Salt-Baked Chilean Sea Bass is a more refined seafood option. Steak lovers, meanwhile, will probably want to make a beeline for the Tableside Prime Rib Cart, and yes, the Lobster Mac & Cheese should absolutely be on the table, too. 155 Wellington St W.
2. Jongro
Jongro is a classic all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue spot on Yonge St, with a huge range of meats, from rich, fatty pork cuts to leaner beef options and marinated chicken thighs. Service runs from noon to late, with lunch offering a huge spread of essentials like fresh pork belly, soy-marinated pork kalbi and sweet soy brisket, while dinner expands the lineup with more premium cuts and extras. Bonus: there’s a rotating buffet and salad bar of Korean sides and seasonal items. 754 Yonge St.
3. Aadab
Aadab serves authentic Hyderabadi and North Indian comfort-food flavours, with smoky tandoori dishes, richly spiced curries, dum biryanis and mandi platters. Strong starts include the Nizami Mutton Ghee Roast, Chicken “Lollipops” and Chilli Garlic Prawns, while the tandoor section is packed with crowd-pleasers like Tangdi Kebab, Chicken Malai Tikka, Seekh Kebab and Lahori Fish Tikka. If you’re going with a group, order a signature table fave like the Non-Veg Mix Grill Mandi, with Peshawari and tandoori chicken, juicy mutton and chicken. 1176 Kennedy Rd.
Naari Thai BBQ officially took over the former Oro space, with a fire-led concept shaped by Southern Thai flavours and influences from across the region. Two menus (omakase and à la carte options) enable a sort of choose-your-own adventure experience! Start with the BBQ coconut chicken satay and oysters with orange chilli nam jim, then move into tom yum prawns, yellow curry of prawns or the grilled Thai-marinated wagyu striploin. 501 College St.
Tongdak is a newer Korean takeout spot at Gerrard and Church that serves crispy fried chicken, sandwiches and comforting sides. The signature Tongdak comes as a butterflied whole chicken with fried garlic, fried rice cake, pickled radish and your choice of two sauces, while the menu rounds things out with original, spicy and garlic chicken sandwiches as well as authentic tteokbokki and rose tteokbokki! Opt for the whole chicken if you’re sharing or the Drum King Meal if going solo. 50 Gerrard St E.
Chez Wa just soft-opened, but it’s already a fave in Little Italy. The wine-and-sake bar is rooted in Asian-inspired small plates, with a bottle-shop element and a menu that has already drawn attention for its creamy mapo tofu pasta and shaojiao beef tartare. On the drinks side, Chez Wa focuses on low-intervention wine, sake and smaller producers. And then there’s the space itself: when you stroll into the College St spot, expect a clean, minimalist design, boasting whites with walnut and stainless steel inspired by European bars. 617 College St.
7. Uncle Potato Noodle
Uncle Potato Noodle sits near Bay and Wellesley and serves slurpable, comfort-heavy clay-pot potato noodles! Signature bowls include the Sliced Marbled Beef Clay Pot and the Braised Pork Intestine Clay Pot, both topped with tofu skin, enoki mushrooms, black fungus, baby bok choy, quail egg and bean sprouts. On the side, munch on something crunchy, like Lotus Root Strips, Crispy Enoki Mushrooms or fried sausage sticks. 29B St Joseph St.
Hongdae Banjeom brings Korean-Chinese comfort food to Bloor West, and the big draw is the noodles! The restaurant makes its noodles daily and serves comfort-food hits like jja jang myeon (think thick noodles coated in rich black bean sauce with savoury pork and onions, delivering deep umami in every bite). The seafood jjamppong is just as tempting if you’re looking for heat, while pork tangsuyuk and stuffed eggplant medallions are perfect add-ons for your table to snack on. 456 Bloor St W.
A massive pillow fight is set to take place in downtown Toronto next month, and this year, the annual tradition is taking over a totally new location. In past years, the Annual Pillow Fight Toronto has made a fun-filled mess of Nathan Phillips Square — this year, come armed with your favourite (or maybe least favourite) pillow and prepare to fight it out among the dog sculptures at Berczy Park!
The event, organized by Urban Playground Toronto, has become a yearly tradition. Now on its fifth year, the ritual, affectionately named the Big Pillow Fight, promises to be an opportunity for adults to engage in something “public, joyful and slightly ridiculous.”
The description for the event notes that the pillow fight encourages “shared silliness” and emphasizes that there should be no spectators. “Everyone plays.”
If you’re someone who gets a little self-conscious about public displays of fun, that rule might make the whole thing a lot easier. All participants in this free fight are asked to bring a soft pillow without feathers (pillows with feathers have previously caused a bit of a mess at previous iterations of the event) and to wear comfortable clothes. A good spirit is also a must — while it’s technically a pillow fight, the one-hour battle is for friendly competition only!
If you’re wondering what kind of vibe to expect at the pillow fight, a look at the other kinds of events Urban Playground Toronto hosts should give you a sense of just how playful it will be. Earlier this year, they hosted Onesie on Ice at the Bentway, where participants donned their wackiest onesies to skate along the trail. In July of 2025, a massive water gun fight broke out in Toronto, also at Berczy Park, thanks to the organizers. And, perhaps the wackiest one yet, in the spring last year, Urban Playground Toronto hosted an Inflatable Dinosaur Rampage at Union Station, which is exactly what it sounds like — a bunch of adults in inflatable dinosaur suits, running through the station!
Toronto’s connection to pillow fights goes back further than this current five-year tradition, though. In the early 2000s, the city even had a pillow fight league: a semi-professional women’s sports league with organized matches. The Pillow Fight League stopped operating in 2011, but the pillow fight obsession continued in Toronto. In 2008, a group of University of Toronto students created World Pillow Fight Day, which got so popular that similar pillow fights coinciding with the day were held in other cities like New York City and Chicago over the years. That annual urban pillow fight in Toronto was cancelled in 2018.
Now, the modern version is keeping the tradition alive, offering a small but meaningful way to connect with others and enjoy a break from everyday life.
The 2026 pillow fight will take place in Berczy Park on May 23, and participants are encouraged to show up at 1:30 p.m. before the actual fight commences at 2 p.m. More details about the event can be found on the Annual Pillow Fight Toronto 2026 Facebook event page.
Steak frites is just one of the many quintessential (and delicious) French dishes you can find in Toronto. It’s a straightforward pairing of a seared steak and a mountain of crispy fries, usually finished with a hit of herb butter or a peppercorn sauce that you’ll want to dip everything in. While the ingredients are simple, the magic is getting that perfect crust on the beef and a salty crunch on the potato. Restaurants may put their own twist on it with different cuts of beef, unique sauces or speciality fries, while keeping the essence of this traditional bistro favourite.
Here are 10 spots in Toronto, serving mouthwatering steak frites.
Côte de Bœuf
@cotedeboeufossington/ instagram
Côte de Bœufon Ossington is part butcher shop, part cozy bistro, and feels like you’ve stumbled into a hidden corner of Paris. Their steak frites features an 8-to 10-ounce cut of in-house aged beef, draped in a silky peppercorn sauce. But the real scene-stealers are the fries — cooked in duck fat, they’re deeply crisp, rich and frankly addictive.
J’s Steak Frites
@jssteakfrites/ instagram
On Queen West this spot keeps things refreshingly simple by doing exactly one thing and doing it exceptionally well. For a flat $60, you get a full Parisian-style spread: a walnut green salad, warm bread, a 10 oz. AAA striploin, and the real crowd-pleaser: unlimited shoestring fries! The steak is consistently tender, but the secret weapon is their house-made butter sauce. Not only is it delicious, it’s designed for dipping both your beef and those bottomless fries. Because they’ve eliminated the stress of a massive menu, the kitchen stays focused on getting your steak exactly to your preferred temperature.
Alice
@alicebevy/Instagram
Alice, a newish spot on College Street, has quickly claimed its territory in Little Italy as the go-to for those in the know. Their 6 o.z steak frites is one of the best-kept secrets for the budget-conscious foodie. Priced at a very reasonable $29.50, it features a tender, locally sourced cut paired with hand-cut fries that are perfectly salty If you’re feeling healthy, you can sub in a Caesar salad for just $3.
Milou
@milou.to/ instagram
Miloubrings a slice of the Left Bank to Dundas West with a vibe that is effortlessly cool and always buzzing. This cozy bistro has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite, largely because it captures that specific Parisian energy without trying too hard. When it comes to their steak frites, instead of the usual striploin, they serve a 7 oz. hanger steak, which comes topped with herb butter and a side of golden frites that are salty and crisp and served with a rich garlic aioli for dipping.
Martine’s Wine Bar
@martineswinebar/Instagram
Grant van Gameren’s Martine’s Wine Barfeels like it’s been a neighbourhood fixture for decades, even though it’s a relatively fresh face in Little Italy. Taking over the old Woodlot space, it’s a rustic, wood-fired sanctuary with a menu that changes for the seasons. Their steak frites has quickly earned a reputation as a “must-order” comfort classic. They typically serve a 10 oz. bavette (or hanger) steak seared to a precise medium-rare and finished with a peppercorn jus. The fries are golden, crunchy and plenty enough to soak up whatever sauce is left on the plate.
Le Paradis
@paradisbistro/ instagram
Serving up old school French charm since the ’80s, Le Paradisignores fleeting food trends in favour of doing the classics exactly the right way. If you want a dining experience that feels like a quiet side street in Paris rather than a trendy Toronto strip, this is it. Their steak frites features a 10 oz. Angus steak, seasoned simply to let the quality of the beef do the talking, and you can choose to top it with green peppercorn sauce or compound butter The fries are golden, crispy, and served in generous portions and the best part is you can ask for seconds, so you never have to ration your last few spuds!
Jules Bistro
@julesbistro1290/ instagram
Jules Bistrois Toronto’s “cool without even trying” French spot, with locations in both Leslieville and Queen West. It’s famous for being one of the most accessible steak frites experiences in the city, offering a vibe that’s candlelit and occasionally a little loud, perfect for both a casual date or a night out with friends. The menu is straightforward: you’re usually choosing between a 6 oz. or 10 oz. NY Striploin. The steak is seared to hit that perfect juicy-to-crust ratio and comes topped with their signature creamy house sauce. But the real reason people flock here is the unlimited fries. They are thin, crispy and salty, and the staff is more than happy to keep the bowls coming until you’ve had your fill.
Le Baratin
@lebaratinyyz/ instagram
This charming Dundas West spot feels like a Parisian restaurant — intimate and stripped of any pretension, focusing instead on the “good old way” of French cooking. Their Wednesday night steak frites special is a legendary local deal. For $48, you get a full three-part experience: a fresh mixed green salad (or soup), a perfectly cooked marinated AAA Ontario steak with golden fries and a glass of wine to wash it all down. The standout feature is the 48-hour shallot and peppercorn sauce, a velvety reduction that takes two days to prepare and elevates the entire plate.
La Palette
@La Palette/ website
La Palette is the crown jewel of Queen West’s bohemian bistro scene. Their steak frites features a Canadian Prime Striploin (sourced from Guelph) that is seared to perfection and topped with a rotating seasonal compound butter — think black garlic or a horseradish blue cheese. It’s served with a mountain of Yukon Gold frites and a side of house-made tarragon mayo that is so good it almost steals the spotlight from the beef.
The Drake Hotel
@thedrakehotel/ instagram
The Drake Hotelon Queen West is a Toronto institution that proves you can have your steak and a side of culture, too. While it’s known for art, music and rooftop cocktails, their Monday night Steak Frites special has become is a popular choice for anyone trying to beat the start-of-the-week blues. The dish features an 8 to 10 oz. cut — alternating between a classic Striploin or a beefy Bavette — served alongside hand-cut fries and a rich whiskey peppercorn sauce that adds a delicious smoky depth.
Although Toronto’s Dan Levy has had a number of projects over the past couple of years, none has hit quite like the phenom that was Schitt’s Creek. The show he created and starred in alongside his father Eugene Levy and the last, great Catherine O’Hara. But that might change with his new show Big Mistakes, premiering today on Netflix.
The new series takes Levy’s signature comedic sensibility into new territory: a comedy-thriller about two siblings who stumble into the world of organized crime.
“That’s how long it took, really, to get an idea that I felt as strongly about as I did when we started Schitt’s Creek,” said Levy for the Netflix blog Tudom. “When I finished Schitt’s, I really thought, like, I don’t know how I can do anything after this.”
Big Mistakes sees Nicky (Levy), a tightly wound church pastor, and his sister Morgan (Taylor Ortega), a school teacher, whose attempt to steal a necklace as a gift for their dying grandmother spirals into blackmail and criminal escapades. Their mother, Linda (Laurie Metcalf), who is running for mayor in their New Jersey town, adds another layer of familial chaos.
“They’re both explorations of family, just in very different ways. And I like to describe this show as kind of like a different book on the same shelf,” Levy said.
Playing Nicky gave Levy a chance to explore a character different from David Rose.
“Nicky is so concerned about what people think and how he shows up in a room. He’s making some really bad decisions, but they’re all rooted in well-intentioned action,” he explained. “David was someone who wore all of his emotions on his sleeve, and Nicky is someone who is so insecure and tightly wound.”
The cast also includes fellow Toronto actor Jack Innanen and Boran Kuzum, a star from Turkey, alongside Abby Quinn and others.
With its premiere today, Big Mistakes looks to be a fresh and fun mix of family chaos, criminal escapes, and that Levy trademark humour with very human characters that fans have come to expect from the talented writer and actor.
Spring may have sprung a few weeks ago, officially, in Toronto, but the weather hasn’t exactly made it feel like it yet! Warm days are ahead — for now, bundle up and enjoy one of the many fun activities the city has to offer this weekend. From the Leafs and the Jays to a massive indoor art crawl, here are the best things to do in Toronto this weekend.
Get your spring shopping done this Sunday at a free indoor art market featuring over 60 talented Toronto artists! The Toronto Art Crawl Spring Pop-Up promises art, jewelry, home decor, fashion, pet products and more — as well as food vendors and a DJ spinning tunes all day!
Three chances to see the Toronto Blue Jays live? Yes, please! The Jays will be facing off against the Minnesota Twins for a three-game home series on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Snag your tickets and cheer them on to victory from the stands!
The wildly irreverent hit musical The Book of Mormon returns to Toronto this week, with its outrageous story of two mismatched missionaries sent halfway around the world. Catch the nine-time Tony Award–winning comedy for a laugh-out-loud night of Broadway satire.
Former Korean boyband GOT7 member Jackson Wang is coming to Toronto on his second world tour, this time in support of his latest album MAGICMAN 2. The Chinese singer and rapper will be taking the stage at Coca-Cola Coliseum for one night only on Sunday.
Catch the world premiere of Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary at Crow’s Theatre. Running until May 3, this reimagining incorporates ancient scripture to reclaim the stories of four women named Mary who played an important role in moments through history.
Travel to Chicago’s Jazz Age and follow the tale of two notorious murderesses in Broadway’s longest-running musical. Chicago premieres this week and promises a night of showstopping songs, breathtaking dance numbers and all that jazz.
From Thursday to Sunday, Toronto will play host to a massive artisan market! The Spring One of a Kind Show is back, giving local vendors from across Canada a chance to showcase their craft. Shop hundreds of booths, ranging from handcrafted jewelry and skincare to fudge, artisan popcorn and more!
Cinema lovers, explore the films that started it all at the annual Toronto Silent Film Festival. Running from Friday to Sunday, you can snag a full festival pass, a weekend-only one or single tickets. Films include Beau Geste, The Garden of Eden and more.
Take a cinematic trip through some of Hollywood’s most iconic films! Symphonically Spielberg: The Music of John Williams runs on Friday and Saturday at the TSO, featuring magical musical moments from Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park and more.
Wasaga Beach, home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, is poised for a major transformation—but not without debate. On Wednesday, the Town of Wasaga Beach unveiled a plan for Destination Wasaga, which is a 10- and 20-year vision to develop the popular beach waterfront into a year-round destination while maintaining public access.
Mayor Brian Smith described it as “a once-in-a-generation moment” for the town, emphasizing a focus on eco-tourism, expanded green spaces, and improved public amenities, including accessible boardwalks, flexible parks, a river marina, and a world-class music hall.
The draft plan reflects input from more than 500 residents, business owners, and stakeholders, as well as more than 200 local students, who emphasized the importance of nature preservation and family-friendly spaces. The town hopes the plan will link the downtown, Nancy Island Historic Site, and provincial parkland in a more cohesive visitor experience.
While the draft plan has been welcomed by some residents and businesses, it comes amid controversy over recent changes to the province’s management of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. In December 2025, the Ford government removed protection from portions of the park under Bill 68, transferring land back to the town for redevelopment. Critics argue this could threaten sensitive ecosystems, wetlands, sand dunes, and habitat for endangered species such as the piping plover.
Main End (CNW Group/Town of Wasaga Beach)
Tony Morris, conservation director at Ontario Nature, cautioned that transferring parkland to municipal control could weaken long-standing protections, for an article on the National Observer. “They’re saying it will remain public and ecologically intact, but again, without the lands being regulated under the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, there’s no guarantee,” he said.
Political opponents have criticized the process. Ontario NDP MPP Chandra Pasma called Bill 68 “highly unusual and undemocratic,” for the same article. An Auditor General report last year found the government frequently bypassed environmental consultations and failed to disclose potential risks to species and ecosystems.
Supporters of the scheme point to economic benefits, including an alleged increase in year-round tourism, jobs, and other opportunities. The provincial government has put $38 million into the project, part of a broader strategy to revitalize Wasaga Beach’s waterfront, downtown, and heritage areas.
The town is now seeking further public feedback through workshops and an online survey, with a final plan expected in July. As Wasaga Beach prepares for potential change, the challenge will be striking a balance between conservation, community input, and ambitious tourism development.
When you go to a fancy restaurant, you can expect a table with a view, but in Parc Oméga’s case, it’s more like a scenic table with wildlife habitat grazing outside the glass windows. This safari park in Montebello, Quebec, is less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa (about 5 hours from Toronto), and has launched OmegaBon – The Immersive Experience.
This new evening dining concept, located inside the Maison du Parc on the shores of Lac des Oiseaux, lets guests dine beside a carefully landscaped habitat where arctic foxes are visible year-round, while bears can be observed in winter during hibernation through a large glass viewing window (it’ll almost feel like you’re in a bear cave)!
The experience is memorable, but also extremely respectful of animal welfare.
@parcomega and restaurant_omegabon/Instagram
As for the food, OmegaBon’s menu has more of a refined boreal theme, with seasonal dishes that draw on Québécois ingredients and forest-inspired flavours. Starters include fire-cooked scallops with smoked emulsion, Jerusalem artichoke cream and coffee crumble, beef carpaccio with black garlic cream and Québec cheese, along with P.E.I. oysters and shareable charcuterie and cheese boards.
The mains range from Gaspésie black cod and Kenauk trout to a flame-cooked beef filet mignon and duck breast with Québec squash. If you’re looking for something more casual, dig into the Angus burger with maple mustard, bacon and melted Adoray. For bigger appetites, there are limited plates for two, like Fromagerie Montebello cheese fondue or Black Angus sirloin with béarnaise. Desserts are just as deluxe with options like apple vacherin, brioche French toast with salted butter caramel and choco-almond entremets, while drinks include boreal-leaning cocktails, local beers and Québec pours like Caribou, Sortilège and ice cider!
The launch is already being touted as a bucket-list stop as it’s the only dining experience of its kind in Canada. The best part is that you can turn your visit into a full weekend escape! Parc Oméga spans roughly 2,200 acres and is home to more than 20 species, including wolves, bears, foxes, bison and elk. Beyond the restaurant, the park offers experiences like guided bus tours with a naturalist guide, a “Cocktail with Wolves” experience for a fun evening at the wolf observatory (alongside tasty sips) and caged golf cart rides, where visitors can get even closer to the animals in a wire-mesh buggy.
OmegaBon – The Immersive Experience is located inside Parc Omega at 399 Route 323 Nord. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 5:15 p.m. to 8 p.m., and you don’t need park admission to book an evening meal. Follow @restaurant_omegabon for updates!
A brand new purpose-built residential community in Toronto is making the renting lifestyle more appealing than ever — now, you can secure a stable, stylish and modern new home and, with it, a whole host of wellness and community-focused amenities and a one-of-a-kind rewards program.
SVNTY, named after its address at 70 Ordnance St., is move-in ready and focused on providing sophisticated and comfortable homes that are built for urban living. Each suite is thoughtfully designed, featuring refined finishes, open concept layouts, sun-filled spaces, sleek kitchens, closets that can actually accommodate your full wardrobe, in-suite laundry and technology-integrated front door access. Many homes also include private terraces and balconies for indoor-outdoor living.
The new rental community is also offering an innovative new program with its launch: the SVNTY Rewards Program. Feel like a part of a true community by receiving a complimentary one-year membership to Altea Active, up to two months of free rent, a $1,000 referral bonus opportunity and even priority access to events and experiences. SVNTY wants residents to stay for the long-term instead of quick turnover, and so tenants who renew for 12 months after their first year will receive a gift card valued at 1 per cent of their previous year’s rent and a tree planted annually in their name. You’ll also be guaranteed a maximum of 2.5 per cent on your second year’s rent.
Of course, one major perk of renting is the potential for amenities — and SVNTY is taking that to another level. Treating amenities as an extension of your home with the goal of fostering social connection, community and wellness, Level SVN features a large fitness room, dedicated yoga and stretch studio, co-work space and outdoor terrace. If you dream of inviting friends and family over, hosting holidays or having a big birthday bash, don’t let the size of your home limit you: there are multiple spaces for residents to host gatherings, including a social lounge located inside the SVN dining room, with plenty of seating and a spacious entertaining kitchen. On LVL 34, get cozy in the Fireside Lounge, wind down in the social Wine Lounge, seek entertainment in the Screening Lounge and Games Room and remind yourself why it’s so amazing to live in the city on the Skyview Terrace — where you’ll enjoy breathtaking lakefront views of Toronto. And SVNTY hasn’t forgotten your furry friend; there’s a pet spa and outdoor pet run so that the whole family feels included and cared for here.
Located right at the gateway of Liberty Village, living at SVNTY means being steps from the city’s best restaurants, cafés and shops, convenient transit, tranquil green spaces and waterfront trails. The neighbourhood is known for its brunch scene, with favourites including Mildred’s Temple Kitchen and SCHOOL Restaurant. You’re also minutes from BMO Field and Coca-Cola Coliseum, meaning summer plans will fill up fast with Toronto FC games, concerts and eventually, visits to the CNE. The new development is also just south of bustling King Street West, where nightlife thrives in Toronto — try moody cocktail bar Isabelle’s, bonafide nightclub Lost & Found or the always-busy Paris Texas.
SVNTY represents a new frontier for refined city living, one that prioritizes community and building homes for Toronto residents looking for a long-term rental lifestyle. The team behind the new residential community even decided to turn SVNTY into a permanent art exhibit with a theme of women artists — live here and you’ll be greeted by curated works from 25 Canadian female artists throughout the lobby, amenities and communal spaces.
Pursue your own dream of elevated urban living; you can book an appointment and take a tour of the space yourself by visiting rentsvnty.com.
Everyone’s favourite VJ Rick Campanelli (a.k.a.“Rick the Temp”) went from MuchMusic to many of the country’s biggest entertainment shows. He was a reporter on ET Canada for 12 years, a radio host on 102.1, Z103.5 and now CHFI. And in 2025, viewers of Breakfast Television were delighted to hear he’d be joining the team. On Sept. 1, he’ll be revealing all in a memoir, Tempted. For now, we’ve gotten the scoop on his love story with his wife, Angie Smith-Campanelli.
How they met
Angie and I met for the very first time at a MuchMusic taping down in Florida in the late ’90s/early 2000s. She was down there for spring break with her Western University friends, and I was hosting the spring break show Sand Job. It was a very brief encounter, but we really got to know each other years later when we worked together on ET Canada.
The first date
Dinner and a show in Stratford at their stage festival. I wish we could remember what show it was!
The relationship
We were always so glued into the other; it’s like nothing else mattered around us. We were definitely in a zone and so focused on each other. We would be really silly together. Angie would always dare me to try her “made up concoctions” of condiments that were on our table before dinner arrived. And I never said no!
One memorable moment was our date down to HTO Park. She took a box of Salteen crackers and put them down the back of my pants — very uncomfortable! We were always being silly back then.
The proposal
My proposal didn’t go as planned — it was a full-day mission in Peru, Machu Picchu to be exact. The plan was to find a “loose rock” amongst the ruins and say to Angie, “Look what I found!” And it would be the diamond engagement ring. But I never found the perfect moment to pop the question. I eventually asked Angie on the train back to Cusco from Machu Picchu over a glass of wine. It was a very romantic setting after a fancy dinner on the train.
The wedding and honeymoon
We exchanged our vows/got married on Jan. 19, 2013, at Sassafraz in Toronto and stayed over at Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville before departing early the next morning for Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon.
The kids
Angie and I have two boys: Jack, 13, and Harrison, 10. We also have two ragdoll cats, Figgy and Sophia.
The secret to success
I think our secret is to support each other in the things we both want to do and accomplish in life. We are there for each other, no matter how small or big it is.
Balancing careers and a relationship
This is the key to life: work/career is important for both of us, but we never put anything above family. We are fortunate to be thriving in both worlds! But we always make time for quality family time.
The future together
We will look back and be very pleased with how we raised our boys and proud of the wonderful men they have become. We will continue to travel the world and explore different countries and cultures and just be there for each other.
